31
MISSION: Fun for One and a Friend
I love when my Affiliated Agents complete missions that provide kindness for the recipient and for someone else–either a friend of the recipient or someone to whom the recipient may pass that act of kindness along. It just doubles the amount of love for our neighbor, doesn’t it?
DATE:
Thursday, 27 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent V
LOCATION:
parking lot
Southside of Indianapolis, IN
TIME:
around 7:00 p.m.
Since joining the Secret Agent ranks one of my favorite things to do while I am out running errands is to search my favorite stores for possible mission items. The Dollar Spot and seasonal items at Target, the clearance shelves in the stationery and book sections at Meijer, and the seasonal items at Kroger. Sometimes I will buy things not knowing how they will fit into a mission, but knowing that they are just too good to pass up. And that’s what happened this week. I had to run to Meijer after work for dog food, so I thought I would look around and see if I could scrounge up anything good. It had been awhile since I had done a mission, and my supplies were running low. That’s when I stumbled on two beautiful water bottles hanging on an end cap labeled “Clearance”. They were the kind of water bottles that usually cost upwards of $15, and I couldn’t believe that they were really on clearance. I figured someone changed their mind and just left them there… But I decided to take a chance and I picked them both up and set out to find a price check station. When I finally found one, I scanned each bottle. $1.76!! Jackpot! I wasn’t sure what I would do with them yet, but I knew they were mine.
The next night I decided to make my husband a special dinner. We have been renovating our house, which is a lot of work and is stressful at times (plus he’s been sick). So I went to Target to pick up a few things on my way home. That’s when I saw the Valentine’s Day candy, and a mission came to mind. I had an adorable, small reusable shopping bag at home. I bought two tiny boxes of chocolates and two boxes of conversation hearts. Then I set to writing my note while dinner cooked.
I decided that I would help someone else also spread the kindness. I put together my bag, with two of everything. One for the finder to keep, and one for the finder to share with a friend or even another random stranger.
Then came the hard part…figuring out where to leave this! My first thought was the library, but I got off work late and it was already closed. So as I headed home, I passed a strip mall with a Curves Fitness and an Emergency Animal hospital right next to each other. Two of my favorite things, dogs and working out, so I figured it was fate. When I pulled into the parking lot, there was a Jeep parked right in between the two doors. Perfect! With my target acquired, I carefully placed my bag on the passenger seat so it would be as close to the other car as possible. Then I waited for two ladies to get in their cars and drive away before I struck. I placed the bag on the hood of the Jeep and hightailed it out of there!
I went home with a big smile on my face, and when I walked in the door the first thing my husband said was, “Looks like you just completed another secret mission.” He knows me so well… Only spreading kindness could make me smile after a long day at work.
I hope they pass on the love!
29
MISSION: Midwest Winter Kindness
Sometimes, something bright and cheery is all you need to turn those dreary winter frowns upside down!
DATE:
Friday, 7 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent M
LOCATION:
1. Friendship Shell; Bay City, MI
2. Jack Wirt Library: Bay City, MI
3. Ohio Turnpike
TIME:
11:25 a.m. and 3 p.m.
While I was searching for inspiration for this mission, I started thinking about the little the little things I always seem to forget in the winter. I started out getting gloves and tissues, because I can always use extras of both when the weather turns frigid! Then I saw these adorable little packs of mints, and who doesn’t like a mint when you’ve been huddled over mugs of coffee all winter long? I also found this neat little first aid kit, and decided to incorporate that into my mission, since there is nothing like needing a bandaid or aspirin and not having any in sight. Everything was packaged up in cheerful bags, since there is far too little color in a Midwest winter.
I chose to put the first aid kit near the fountain at the Friendship Shell outdoor amphitheater in downtown Bay City, which sees a lot of traffic from all walks of life, from boutique shoppers to high school kids to the homeless. I balanced the bag on a pole near the park entrance to make sure it was visible to people walking by. As goofy as some people think the fountain looks, the message of friendship and community it stands for seemed like the perfect setting for a Secret Agent mission!
The first of the glove/tissue/mint bags went on a bench outside the main branch of the Bay County library. I had to rush to make the drop and get a photo in between library visitors, but I love the library and wanted to make sure a patron found a surprise after a day of research, job hunting, or just staying warm.
I couldn’t decide on a third location, so I decided to wait and place the last bag later that day when it felt right. It rode along in the front seat of my car as I made the trip from Michigan back to Pennsylvania for school. About halfway across Ohio the weather turned from sunny to dark with big, wet flakes that made driving a challenge. Everyone who stopped for lunch at the rest area during the storm looked miserable! Just as I was ready to pull back out onto the highway, there was a perfect break in the parking lot crowd (a rarity for anyone who knows how busy the turnpike is!) and I quickly left the last bag on the windshield of the car next to me. I didn’t get a picture in my rush, but it was exciting to know someone’s wintry road trip was going to be just a little bit brighter.
Awesome mission, Affiliated Agent M! It sounds like it was a perfect trifecta of wintry kindness!
28
Birthdays. Rock.
It’s my birthday today! I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you who follow and/or participate in the Secret Agent L Project and tell you that you have made every day feel like my birthday. Your friendship and support are the best birthday gifts I could ever receive!
I hope you’ll go out and extend kindness today and every single day of your own beautiful lives!
xoxo,
Laura
27
MISSION: Pet Owner Kindness
Animals.
Love ‘em more than shoes and handbags and chocolate. This mission? SO. GREAT. And how ’bout that first photo? OMG, are you DYING yet from the CUTENESS??? Somebody call the paramedics, because I’m dying from the cuteness!
DATE:
Friday, 21 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent T and Furry Sidekicks C and D
LOCATION:
a veterinary office
Western Pennsylvania
TIME:
8:45 a.m.
On Friday, I was scheduled to take my puppy, Furry Sidekick C, to the vet for the second round of vaccinations. It had snowed terribly overnight, and since my appointment was early in the morning, I knew it was going to be bad out, particularly because schools in my area were canceled. I got up extra early, not only to clear the car, but also to allow extra driving time, and realized I had too much time on my hands, so I decided to put together a spur of the moment mission to complete at the vet’s office.
I started by making a card. I had some adorable doggie stickers, so I used that to decorate the front and announce that the card was intended for the person who found it. On the inside I used more stickers to attach the Secret Agent L business card, and included a message from “Fido” to check out SAL online.
Then I wrote a note to the pet owner, thanking them for braving this bad weather to bring their pet to see the vet. I said that not only did the pet’s appreciate what a good owner they were, but I appreciated it as well. I also mentioned that I was including a treat for the dog.
Then, I attached a rubber chew bone that we had gotten a while back. They were buy one get one free a while ago when I got one for our other dog, Furry Sidekick D, and he did not at all mind me using the other one for the mission! I taped the bone inside the card, and was ready to go.
We got to the vet’s office, and I was a little nervous, because there was no other patients or pet parents there, so I was afraid the office staff would notice me leaving the mission somewhere and question me. Luckily, Furry Sidekick C provides a great distraction, and all the ladies were busy fawning over her cuteness, so I was able to leave the mission on a bench in the waiting area. Hopefully some pet owner found it, and it helped brighten their day.
My dogs are a part of my family, and I just wanted to pass along a little kindness to a fellow dog lover like me. Furry Sidekicks C and D were excited and honored to help me do a SAL mission!
26
MISSION: Rejoice in Simple Things
As someone with a family member who suffers from a debilitating mental illness, I put a tremendous value on all health–mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. I have watched my loved one suffer in ways that I don’t think I could ever handle. And while that suffering has been, at times, unbearable for me and my family, it has also been a blessing because it has taught me to rejoice in being able to live with relatively good health. It has taught me to be thankful, to take care of myself and those around me, and to always value the moments when true suffering has not stolen my life or the lives of those around me.
And it has helped me remember that many people do suffer, in ways we may never be able to see or feel, and that I must, at all costs, do what I can to help ease some of that suffering…to offer care, in whatever form I can.
Affiliated Agent LA has an incredible story to share about why she celebrates her life each and every day, and why she hopes that others will celebrate theirs as well.
DATE:
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent LA
LOCATION:
bench
Mercy Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA
TIME:
5:00 p.m.
I decided that for my first mission that I wanted to share something that has been meaningful to me. I have learned recently to never take a moment for granted. This week will mark the 2 year anniversary of a life-altering event for me. I never anticipated that at 34 years old that I would experience a stroke. Through my stroke I learned that life doesn’t always follow the neat plan you set for yourself and that the daily stress that often consumes us really doesn’t mean much. I learned that it really doesn’t matter if all of the items on my to-do list get checked off. Even more recently a dear friend was burned in a kitchen accident and she faces years of therapy to recover. What I went through pales in comparison. I feel so fortunate to still have my friend in my life and that I was given a second chance at a normal life through the amazing care that I received at Mercy hospital. I decided to leave my anonymous gift near the hospital since this is a special place to me.
When Christmas shopping I spotted a 16-month inspirational calendar with a “Rejoice in Simple Things” message that I tucked away for my mission. I wrapped it up today with a special note and a “Secret Agent L” magnet. I left it on a lonely park bench outside the main entrance. As I walked away from the bench towards my van, I saw a college student give me a strange sideways glance. I secretly hope that she went back and opened the package.
I hope that this simple reminder will brighten someone’s day. I hope that my token gift will inspire them to remember that life is too short to not appreciate the little moments like playing a board game with their kids or meeting a friend for coffee. Each day is truly a gift and opportunity, and the simplest moments are the ones that matter most. Each day let’s endeavor to share our love with our family, friends and yes, even strangers.
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Affiliated Agent LA. We are so, so glad you’re still here with us.
25
MISSION: A Treat in a Taxi
I’ve said it a eleventy billion times before: I LOVE BOOKS. Affiliated Agents, wanna do a mission that will make me smile? (Not that that’s your goal, of course!) Do a mission that involves a book. Reading is one of the best ways to heal the heart, empower the spirit, and enrich the mind. Affiliated Agent C thinks so, too.
DATE:
28 September 2010
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent C
LOCATION:
an unattended taxi
Charlotte, NC
TIME:
approximately 10:15 a.m.
Have you ever read a book and thought “Wow, I hope others read this book!”? I picked up a book on Sunday called Hector and the Search For Happiness. I’ll admit, I read it all in one evening (yesterday) as it was a simple and uplifting story. Afterward, I decided to pass it on with my mission for the week and what better day than a rainy one?!
I tucked it into it’s little raincoat along with a Starbucks gift card with a handwritten note on it. I was out of agent cards (time to print some more!) so I wrote on the gift card “An Affiliated Agent of www.secretagentL.com” on the back (to be sure to keep the energy going!). Inside, it said “May you find Happiness, Love, and Peace of Mind. Any day you wake up is a good day and then You make it Great!”
I made the drop between my haircut appointment and breakfast, before going into work. The choice for this drop was slightly more targeted considering its contents. Since the book was about traveling to learn what makes others happy/unhappy, I thought it would be interesting to pass it on to someone that also travels and learns, especially since they could share their own lessons with others. Luckily enough(!), there was an unattended cab parked outside of Starbucks. Even the cabbies need coffee…!
So I quickly propped the book up on the windshield/mirror, took a picture and bolted towards Bruegger’s Bagels for brekky. Since cabbies see a lot of people throughout the day, and also have down time waiting, what better gift than a book and hot cup of coffee to keep the mind moving in the right direction?! To the cabby out there, Be well!
Affiliated Agent C, this truly is a wonderful mission, created and carried out with so much thoughtfulness and creativity. Bless you!
24
MISSION: You’re Invited
Being with people is my favorite thing in the world. Hands down. Connecting and sharing life with those around me? Best. Thing. Ever. So Affiliated Agent K’s Pittsburgh mission to celebrate and encourage togetherness really made me smile. A girl after my own heart, for sure.
DATE:
Thursday, 20 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent K
LOCATION:
Persad Center
Pittsburgh, PA
TIME:
11:50 a.m.
So, recently I’ve been feeling the need to reconnect with old friends and to make new ones. I mean, really, when you feel like you have no one to reach out to, it’s usually your friends or family that come first. I was trying to think of something to do for my first secret mission and I thought that I would make it a little personal! Before work, I scrounged around Borders and found party invitations in the bargain bin and I thought, perfect!
So, I then went over to the card section and found a card that said, “Friends are the Sunshine of Life”. Another perfect.
I bought some pretty paper in my favorite color, teal, nice and cheery, some ribbon and decided that this would be my first mission. To get someone to gather their friends and family together for an evening of beverages or even a pot luck dinner, as long as they were TOGETHER.
I thought of where I could find some lonely people, which could be anywhere, but I had an idea to leave it at the Persad Center waiting room (for those of you not familiar with Persad, it’s a great organization that helps LGBT people with gender identity issues and the works! They are WONDERFUL!). There are people there that could use people to talk to and to be around them for support.
It was hard to drop it off being that it was a waiting room but I waited for everyone to be called into their appointments and walked slyly over to a corner table and left it there to be found. I only hope that someone uses them soon and gets together with old friends and finds some support that they might need!
Affiliated Agent K, I LOVE this mission. Your thoughtfulness really, really shows just how full of love your heart is. Thank you for thinking of our neighbors who might feel incredibly alone in our community.
22
MISSION: Alaskan Adventure
I’ve never been to Alaska, but I hear it’s beautiful there. And from the mission specifics I received from Affiliated Agent E, it sounds like the people are, too.
DATE:
17 and 18, January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent E
LOCATION:
1. Hanson grocery store
2. Nome Rec Center
3. post office
4. Iditarod finish line
Nome, Alaska
TIME:
3:45 p.m.
Hi Secret Agent L! I completed my first documented mission this week. I’ve done a few before but was too scared of getting caught to document those missions.
Normally, all my $5 bills go into my vacation savings account. However, I wanted to spread peace and kindness in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. on his day of remembrance. I chose my 3 drop areas ahead of time and customized the card to them. The plan was to drop them at the post office, the Iditarod finish line, and the grocery store.
The Iditarod finish line sits out in our town all year and is a place that the homeless people like to gather. When hearing my plan, my husband decided to give me a coupon for a free sandwich to put at the finish line. Having already sealed my cards, I decided to drop the extra $5 at the rec center in town.
I set out at 3:45 on January 17, only to be foiled. The post office was closed because, duh, it was a federal holiday. No problem. I decided to head to the Iditarod Arch. Just as I was approaching it, so were 4 tourists who wanted their picture with the arch. I kept going to the grocery store. Thankfully, I was able to stash my card in the dried beans aisle. Having had enough stress for one day, I decided to leave the remaining mission until the following day.
On January 18 at the same time, I started out determined to make drops at the rec center, post office, and Iditarod Arch. My first stop was the Rec Center where I did a 20 minute workout. When I went to wipe down my machine, I managed to leave the second card sitting next to the disinfectant and clean towels without being spotted by the others in the room.
My next stop was the post office, which was quite busy. I pretended to be looking at the sizes of different flat rate boxes and slyly stuck the next $5 in between the different boxes so that some lucky person wouldn’t have to pay so much for postage that day.
The last and trickiest spot was the Iditarod Arch. I held my breath and hoped that no one would be there this time. I lucked out! I used the platform to set my stuff down and pretend to tie my shoe. No one could tell I was dropping something off and since I was listening to music on my I-Phone, when I went to take a picture, it only looked like I was changing up my tunes before continuing on my walk.
It was stressful pulling off 4 different drop points but I know that some people benefited as I have verified that the envelopes at the rec center and grocery store were both gone the next day. I had such a great time! Thanks for the inspiration.
21
MISSION: Simple Thanks
Just like I love books, I also love our military men and women. Their sacrifices and commitment to our country and to us–most of whom they will never even know–continue to make my heart swell with love, appreciation, and pride. I think of my Pappap, who was a POW for nearly three years during WWII, and I want to just yell at the top of my lungs, “THANK YOU!” to every single American service member.
Affiliated Agents “S”–an Air Force husband and wife team stationed in Japan–decided to share their appreciation and friendship with other service members on their base. These two are a class act.
DATE:
23 September 2010
OPERATIVES:
Affiliated Agents “S”
LOCATION:
Misawa Air Force Base Exchange
Misawa, Japan
TIME:
between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
We are a husband and wife team of Secret Agents. My hubby is in the Air Force and we currently reside in Misawa, Japan.
Ok-so we have been Secret Agents for over a month now and had not completed a mission so we decided it was time. Being at Misawa can get pretty boring so everyone practically makes a daily trip to the base exchange (store), so we decided that would be the perfect place.
I had a few homemade cards on hand and decided to use these and write a small little note inside each one. We will get some “goodies” for our next mission.
The first card we wanted to leave at the food court but it was a little crowded and could not sneak it in somewhere. Then I came up with going to the ladies room and leaving one on the counter. I go to the ladies room and no one is there so I take my time putting the card out and then I hear a “flush” and think “Oh crud someone is in here”. So I hurry and snap the picture and haul tail out of there, luckily I wasn’t spotted.
This base is pretty small and I want to remain anonymous. Being a little partial to the baby section (we just had a baby boy Sept 1st) of the BX at the moment I decided to leave the second card there. The 3rd card was left at Cinnabon/Seattle’s Best Coffee shop in the BX (I wasn’t able to get a picture of this one).
This was an amazing experience, being sneaky, trying not get “caught”, and doing something nice at the same time. You are an amazing woman to come up with this idea, and I am so happy that it has become a world-wide epidemic.
Affiliated Agents “S”, thank you for your kind words, but YOU both are truly the amazing ones! We will all be ever in your debt for your continued service to our country. THANK YOU!
20
Video: A Small Act
A SMALL ACT Trailer 2010 from Jennifer Arnold on Vimeo.
I stumbled across this documentary on my new favorite Kindness Resource, and I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. The film hasn’t been released yet for personal purchase, but you can host a screening of it in your community. I absolutely plan on organizing a screening at the university where I work. And, of course, as soon as it’s available for purchase, I will be first in line.
Kindness can, does, and will change the world. And we’ve already begun.
Love you all.
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